India, April 29 -- Comments by social media influencers against consumer brands, when backed by scientific evidence, does not amount to defamation, ruled the Delhi high court, in a significant decision that laid down the broad contours for the protection of social media influencers locked in legal battles with large companies.

Among these, the court allowed influencers to highlight and show brand names - one easy defence for big brands has been trademark infringement - and criticise brands on the basis of scientific tests without fear of defamation. It also allowed the use of satire and hyperbole, ruling these as accepted forms of free speech, which is protected.

The order, by a bench of justice Amit Bansal, came on an interim plea file...